Former Rep. George Faught files for re-election to HD14

FAUGHT FILES FOR RE-ELECTION TO HOUSE DISTRICT 14

MUSKOGEE (April 9, 2020)  –  Muskogee small businessman and former state representative George Faught has announced that he has filed for re-election to the State House District 14 seat. Faught previously held the seat from 2006 to 2012 and 2014 to 2018. District 14 is made up of eastern Muskogee County and western Cherokee County, taking in half of the city of Muskogee, and the towns of Fort Gibson, Braggs, Webbers Falls and portions of Hulbert.

“As Oklahoma faces this unprecedented crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must have experienced policy makers at the capitol to help us navigate the rough waters we find ourselves in. More than 75% of the legislators currently serving in the State House have less than 4 years of experience, and those years had high revenues with an excess of cash to spend,” said Faught. “Having previously served through both good times and bad, especially during the last prolonged national recession, I have a proven track record of making those important and often extremely difficult decisions.”

“With businesses shut down across the state for who knows how long, there will definitely be a sharp drop in the revenues which fund our core services. Decisions made this next term will determine the futures of our children and grandchildren. With the right experienced leadership and our resilient Oklahoma Spirit we will weather the storm and come back stronger than ever,” continued Faught.

While in office, Faught served 8 years on the Administrative Rules and Government Oversight committee which reviews and approves rules and policies that affect how our state agencies, boards and commissions operate. Six of those years he served as committee Chairman. During his tenure he also served as Vice-Chair of the Economic Development and Financial Services committee and Assistant Majority Floor Leader.

Faught has been married to his wife, Becky for 37 years and they have three grown children and four grandchildren. As owner of Clean Pro, a Muskogee-based carpet and tile cleaning business that specializes in water damage restoration, Faught has served thousands of customers in surrounding communities for the past 33 years.

Clean Pro becomes IICRC-Certified Firm

Some news from my work:

Clean Pro becomes IICRC-Certified Firm

National standard-setting organization recognizes commitment to excellence

Muskogee, OK – Clean Pro, a locally owned and operated cleaning and restoration company, recently became an IICRC-Certified Firm, formalizing their longstanding commitment to implementing quality industry standards and professional training.

An international nonprofit organization, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) establishes globally recognized standards and certifications for the cleaning and restoration industries. In order to become a Certified Firm, companies must employ one or more IICRC-Certified technicians who have met strict training and education qualifications set by the IICRC, pledge to adhere to the IICRC Code of Ethics, and be current in their business insurance and licensee requirements.

Both of Clean Pro’s full-time technicians are IICRC-Certified in multiple categories. George Faught, the owner/operator, was first certified in the early 1990’s, and is currently certified in Water Damage Restoration and Fire & Smoke Restoration. Jamison Faught received his first IICRC certification in 2014, and today holds Certified Technician status in both Carpet Cleaning and Water Damage Restoration.

The professional standards of care and procedures set by the IICRC are recognized by flooring manufacturer warrantees and insurance companies who deal with the cleaning and restoration industries in order to ensure that quality care is provided for their clients. By administering a strict process of certification, the IICRC provides a means by which consumers can receive the highest quality of service from trained, knowledgeable, professional technicians.

“The importance of staying up with industry advances and providing quality service for our customers is why we have and continue to pursue certification with the IICRC,” said George Faught. “We want our customers to have the peace of mind that when we work for them, the job will be done right.”

An IICRC-Certified firm, Clean Pro is owned and operated by the George Faught family and has served the greater Muskogee area since 1987. Clean Pro provides carpet cleaning, tile cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and 24-hour emergency water damage restoration services. You can learn more about Clean Pro by visiting CleanProMuskogee.com or following them on Facebook and Instagram.

2018 Oklahoma Constitution Conservative Index released

The 2018 Oklahoma Conservative Index

Published by the Oklahoma Constitution

Oklahoma's Conservative Newspaper since 1979

This issue of the Oklahoma Constitution presents the 40th annual Oklahoma Conservative Index, rating our state legislators. Members of each house of the Oklahoma Legislature were rated on ten key votes. A favorable vote on these issues represents a belief in fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, free enterprise, and constitutional government.

After taking suggestions from conservative leaders, the staff of the Oklahoma Constitution submitted bills to a vote of the membership of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee (OCPAC) to determine the ten key votes. The legislators were rated based on their votes on bills involving taxes, interference in free markets, protecting liberty, and the right to keep and bear arms.

RATING CALCULATION

To determine this year’s rating, 10 points were earned for each conservative vote (designated by a C), and no points are awarded for a liberal vote (indicated by an L). Each failure to vote (recorded as a Z) provides only three points. When the rating system was created in 1979, it was decided that there should be a difference between voting liberal, and missing a vote. A legislator absent for all the votes could only score 30%, which is our recommended score for seeking a replacement.

Thus, a legislator voting conservative on eight votes, liberal on one, and failing to vote on another, would receive eighty plus three, or an 83% conservative rating.

This year’s conservative rating was averaged with the legislator’s scores from any previous years of service to obtain the Cumulative Average score for all the years that legislator has been rated. With term limits, we have moved into a period when no legislator will have a cumulative score based on a period longer than twelve years. However, a few former legislators with service prior to the term limits law were later elected to their current positions. The scores of legislators with previous service are included in their cumulative average.

By examining this year’s score in relation to the Cumulative Average, the voting pattern of a particular legislator can be determined. While most score nearly the same, year after year, others trend upward or downward from their average. If your legislator is trending toward conservatism, please offer you encouragement and support. If your legislator is exhibiting a leftward trend, it is time to express your disappointment and suggest the need for a replacement if the trend is not reversed.

The average score in the House this year was 43%, compared to 32% last year. The Senate averaged 48% conservative this year, compared to 33% last year. There were 21 legislators who scored 70%, or better this year, compared to only 12 who scored 70%, or better, last year. We suggest you commend all of these lawmakers.

Readers should consider replacing those who scored 30%, or less, while giving close scrutiny to those who scored between 30% and 70%.

There were a few vacancies during the legislative session due to the resignation of a legislator. Since those legislators were not present for all of the votes, they were not rated. Newly elected Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow), and Sen. David Holt (R-OKC) who resigned after being elected Oklahoma City mayor, were vacant for part of the session. They were not rated, although there votes on the bills for which they were present are included. The votes on bills that occurred when there seats were vacant are recorded with a V.

The Top Conservative and Top Liberal legislators were selected by their scores on the Index. Making the Top Conservatives list were those lawmakers who scored 80%, or better. On the Top Liberals list were those making less than 20%.

THE TOP CONSERVATIVES

Three legislators, two in the House and one in the Senate, scored a perfect 100% conservative rating this year. House members scoring 100% were Tom Gann (R-Inola) and Jason Murphey (R-Guthrie). Senator Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow) also scored 100%.

The next highest score was 93%, made by Representative Chuck Stohm (R-Jenks) and Anthony Sykes (R-Moore)of the Senate. Scoring 90% were Jeff Coody (R-Grandfield) and Sean Roberts (R-Hominy) of the House, and Josh Brecheen (R-Coalgate) of the Senate. Kevin Calvey (R-OKC), George Faught (R-Muskogee) and Rick West (R-Heavener) of the House all scored 83%.

Representative Travis Dunlap (R-Bartlesville), Mike Ritze (R-Broken Arrow), and Kevin West (R-Moore) of the House scored 80%, along with Rob Standridge (R-Norman) of the Senate, completing the list of Top Conservatives.

THE TOP LIBERALS

While no legislators scored zero conservative this year, two legislators, both in the Senate only scored a dismal 3 percent conservative: Kay Floyd (D-OKC) and John Sparks (D-Norman). Kevin Matthews of Tulsa scored a mere 6 percent conservative. Other low scores were compiled by Representatives Mickey Dollens (D-OKC), and Jason Dunnington (D-OKC), both making only 9%. Other legislators who scored less than 20% conservative on this year’s Index included Forrest Bennett (D-OKC), William Fourkiller (D-Stilwell), Claudia Griffith (D-Norman), Katie Henke (R-Tulsa), Ben Loring (D-Miami), Jason Lowe (D-OKC), Mark McBride (R-Moore), Monroe Nichols (D-Tulsa), Brian Renegar (D-McAlester), Emily Virgin (D-Norman), Collin Walke (D-OKC), and George Young (D-OKC), of the House and Michael Brooks (D-OKC), Anastasia Pittman (D-OKC), and Ervin Yen (R-OKC) of the Senate.

Click here for the 2018 Senate conservative index (PDF). 

Click here for the 2018 House conservative index (PDF).

Rep. George Faught Supports Veto-Override Special Session

Rep. George Faught Supports Veto-Override Special Session 

Petition for Special Session would give chance to stop US 69 Bypass

MUSKOGEE, OK –  State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee) today announced his support of a legislative petition authored by State Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow) that calls for a special session devoted to overriding vetoes issued by Gov. Mary Fallin.

Article V, Section 27A of the Oklahoma Constitution allows for the legislature to call themselves into special session and set the guidelines for it without the Governor’s input. Dahm’s petition would allow for the special session to take up overrides of Gov. Fallin’s vetoes from this current legislative term (2017-2018) and allow for the legislature to re-author and pass any legislation that Fallin has vetoed during her term, going back all the way to the 2011 legislative session.

“This would give us the opportunity to fix all the mistakes Mary Fallin has made and messed us up over the last eight years,” Sen. Dahm said in his announcement of the petition.

One measure important to the Muskogee area that would be eligible to be heard in a veto-override special session would be SB86, the bill that would stop the proposed U.S. 69 Bypass of Muskogee. SB86 required ODOT to perform an economic impact study before any planned bypass around a community is placed on the Transportation 8 year Plan, and required ODOT to present the study to the municipality and get them to approve it before beginning a bypass construction project. Authored by State Sen. Kim David (R-Porter) and Rep. George Faught and co-authored by other area legislators, SB86 passed the House by a vote of 62 to 27 and the Senate by a vote of 32 to 11.

“A veto override special session would give Muskogee another chance at stopping the U.S. 69 Bypass, and give input and protections to communities in the U.S. 69 corridor and across the state from future bypass projects,” said Rep. George Faught.

Another bill that could be brought up for a veto override is HB1552, an important government transparency and accountability measure authored by Rep. George Faught. HB1552 would have brought much-needed reforms to the state’s regulatory process. It would reform the administrative rules process by restoring legislative control over government regulations, thus strengthening transparency and accountability and reining in unelected bureaucrats. HB1552 passed the House by a vote of 71 to 23 and the Senate by a vote of 43 to 0.

“Gov. Fallin has failed Oklahoma citizens by vetoing legislation that is important to the Muskogee area and the state as a whole. This veto-override special session would give us a chance to correct those problems, advance Oklahoma in a positive direction, and protect citizens from government overreach,” said Rep. Faught.

Other potential measures that could be voted on would be overrides of pro-life, pro-gun, and government reform bills vetoed by Gov. Fallin.

“Citizens can go to OKLegislature.gov to find out who their legislator is and how to contact them. I urge Muskogee area residents to call their legislators and ask them to sign Sen. Dahm’s veto-override special session petition, and give us another chance at stopping the U.S. 69 bypass, as well as pass other important policy measures that would affect Oklahoma citizens and businesses,” said Rep. Faught.

Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee) represents House District 14, which covers portions of eastern Muskogee and western Cherokee counties, including the communities of Muskogee, Fort Gibson, Braggs, and Webbers Falls. He chairs the General Government Oversight and Accountability committee.

Platform Index: State House rated for Special Session votes

This morning, SoonerPolitics.org posted a 'Platform Index' voting record chart for the two special sessions the legislature has been in since September. Similar to the Oklahoma Constitution's Conservative Index, as well as other rating systems, the Platform Index tracked conservative and liberal votes during special session. Due to most of the recorded votes taking place in the House and not receiving a vote in the Senate, the Senate was not scored in this Index.

20 Republicans and 6 Democrats scored a 60 or better. 12 Republicans scored a perfect 100, while 4 Republicans and 2 Democrats got an 80.

On the other end, 4 Republicans (including Labor Commissioner candidate Leslie Osborn) scored zero conservative votes, earning a 0. 32 Republicans and 5 Democrats got a 20 on the Index.

Ironically, the average score for Republicans and Democrats are nearly identical: the Republican average is 42.12, while the Democrat average is 42.11.

Scores for the Muskogee-area representatives; only Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee) got a passing grade:

• George Faught (R-HD14): 80
• Scott Fetgatter (R-HD16): 40
• Matt Meredith (D-HD4): 40
• Kevin McDugle (R-HD12): 25
• Avery Frix (R-HD13): 20
• Ed Cannaday (D-HD15): 20

Here are the full results:

Coburn Joins Conservative Legislators in Proposing State Budget Reforms

Coburn Joins Conservative Legislators in Proposing State Budget Reforms

OKLAHOMA CITY – Several conservative Republican State Representatives today joined with former U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn in proposing a path to a teacher pay raise without a tax increase.  The statement is below.

We appreciate the members of Step Up Oklahoma for their civic leadership in addressing the issue of balancing our state budget, raising teacher pay and reforming state government processes. We share their goals. We want to provide teachers a $5,000 pay raise and are confident there will be a permanent teacher pay raise this year with or without a tax increase. We also must balance our budget, which will also happen with or without a tax increase. And, we agree with reforming state government to cut out wasteful spending.

We agree with most of the means chosen by Step Up Oklahoma to accomplish these goals: cutting wasteful subsidies to industrial wind companies; allowing the governor to appoint agency directors, and several of the other ideas furthered by Step Up Oklahoma.

We also believe that the people of Oklahoma are rightly suspicious of state government.  The Health Department scandal shows that there still is a great deal of wasteful spending, “bloat” and “mission creep,” and even corruption in state spending.

The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) has over 1,200 employees who are supposed to catch such wasteful spending and root it out, but they failed.  Recently, the whistleblower in the Health Department scandal accused former OMES Director and Gov. Fallin’s Secretary of Finance Preston Doerflinger of grand jury tampering and witness intimidation. If this is how the head of OMES treats whistleblowers, it begs the question:  how many other whistleblowers have been discouraged from bringing wasteful spending to light?

Before raising taxes on Oklahomans, we must make sure state government is spending current tax money wisely, with real performance audits.  But a bill to empower the State Auditor’s Office to conduct real performance audits on agencies was vetoed by Gov. Fallin at Doerflinger’s request.

There are many ways to balance the budget and give teachers a $5,000 pay raise, the combined cost of which is about $760 million. Just last Thursday, it was announced that state revenue is up $812.5 million over last year due to the improving economy.

Moreover, a bill held over from last year, for Medicaid audits, would remove people no longer eligible for Medicaid in Oklahoma.  This one bill would generate savings of at least $86 million, and as Arkansas’ recent experience shows, more likely up to $240 million, which savings could be applied to more efficient uses in our budget.

Cutting out corporate welfare subsidies to the wind industry, often owned by foreign companies, could generate up to $172 million annually.

Using existing funds from the Commissioners of the Land Office could also provide additional millions for a teacher pay raise, without reducing any current payments to school districts and without dipping into the current principal corpus of the School Land Trust.

The Legislature could right now afford the $760 million needed for a $5,000 teacher pay raise and balance the budget without a tax increase.

And there’s more. For each $1 allowed in the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit, $2.58 is generated for scholarships and $1.24 is saved for the state budget, due to leveraging private donations for education. We should increase the current cap on such scholarship credits.

Up to $95 million of annual revenue from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is currently used on such wasteful things such as ads for smoke-free strip clubs and drag shows, and billboards against soda pop. These funds could be rerouted to more efficient uses, also.  This reform would require a vote of the people.

School districts could be allowed flexibility to use any part of their property tax revenue on teacher pay if they wished, instead of being restricted to current uses such as buildings. This reform also would require a vote of the people.

Administration costs in our state’s colleges are 70 percent higher than the national average. Reducing such administrative costs to the national average would save the state over $300 million per year.  Currently, legislators are prohibited from making such line-item appropriations to the Regents for Higher Education.  A vote of the people would be required to allow line-items on the Regents’ budget.

There are many ways to reform our education system to make sure more of our tax dollars are going to teacher pay, rather than to excessive administration and other non-teacher costs.

Bills on all these topics have been introduced this session, but are awaiting committee hearings.

“For too long, bureaucrats have grown Oklahoma state government without being audited.  The sensible reforms offered here will help raise teacher pay and right-size Oklahoma’s government without a tax increase.  Medicaid audits, eliminating corporate wind subsidies, TSET reform, and better use of funds from the Commissioners of the Land Office are common-sense proposals that are long overdue,” Coburn said.

Let’s demand performance audits on the agencies and schools and cut out the waste before we increase taxes. We can still give a $5000 pay raise to teachers and balance the budget in the meantime.

Republican Lawmakers who are a part of this plan include:

Rep. Kevin Calvey
Rep. Scott McEachin
Rep. Bobby Cleveland
Rep. Kevin West
Rep. John Bennett
Rep. George Faught
Rep. Tom Gann
Rep. Rick West
Rep. Jeff Coody
Rep. Mike Ritze

Platform Caucus comments on failure of Step Up plan, propose alternatives

OK Republican Platform Caucus Comments on 
Failure of Step Up Oklahoma Plan

OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, the Oklahoma State Legislature said NO to one of the largest tax increases in Oklahoma history – a tax plan proposed by the Oklahoma Step Up Coalition. This tax increase was being advertised as the only way to pay for a classroom teacher pay raise; a statement that simply is not true.  There are other options.

The bills proposed by Step Up Oklahoma represent the largest tax increase in over a generation – taking approximately $704 million dollars from the pockets of hard-working Oklahoma taxpayers to fund a $280 million teacher pay raise plus $424 million worth of projects for special interests and government agencies.

When President Trump pushed through the massive tax reform package less than two months ago, the result was an immediate economic resurgence as businesses and individuals realized they would have more money to invest and spend.

Step Up Oklahoma does Just the opposite of the Trump plan. While the coalition originally proposed a variety of free-market reforms, many were dropped in an effort to build a broader coalition.

The bills raise taxes through what Dr. Tom Coburn referred to as sham income tax reforms* that:

• $41 mil  Increase the Standard Deduction Every Time you File Your Taxes April 15
• $101 mil  Limit/Reduce the Itemized Deduction every April 15
• $133 mil  Increase the Gross Production Tax
• $173 mil  Gas and Diesel Fuel Tax
• $256 mil  Tobacco Tax

It is estimated that Oklahoma could benefit from the Trump tax cuts by approximately $2.3 billion. It is unfortunate that lawmakers and special interests are so quick to try and grab that money.

Our economy is finally recovering from the devastating crash in oil and natural gas that began in 2014 and continued into 2016. As oil prices have begun to recover, revenues to the state have been up dramatically over past months.  Next week the Governor’s office reports how much money we will be able to appropriate for this coming year – these are called the ‘certified funds.’  We expect the certified funds to be up significantly compared to a year ago meaning that it makes no sense to pass a massive tax increase one week before we learn we have a budget surplus.

While the OK Republican Platform Caucus has taken a strong position against government waste and tax increases, we have been diligent to work for almost a year to find ways to balance the budget, promote government reform, fund core services and pay for a classroom teacher pay raise.

Some of these ideas include:

1. Classroom Teacher Pay Raise – The CLO (Commission Land Office) has a current balance of $2.4 billion in assets and generated $322 million in 2017. This income stream would more than cover a teacher pay raise.
2. Medicaid Audits (Arkansas recently audited Medicaid recipients and found 80,000 recipients no longer eligible to receive services. Similar audits in Oklahoma could save approximately $240 million per year. )
3. TSET Reform – The tobacco endowment is currently valued at $1.3 billion. Income from this endowment is approximately $50 million per year and ongoing settlement funds from the tobacco companies are approximately $40 million. We propose using this $40 million to fund direct residency programs for our teaching hospitals.
4. SWAG – the Oklahoma state agencies spend approximately $40 million on promotional throw away items.
5. Agency Audits
6. We do not support the repeal / modification of State Question 640.

Members supporting this press release include:

Rep. Chuck Strohm
Rep. Sean Roberts
Rep. George Faught
Rep. John Bennett
Rep. Rick West
Rep. Jeff Coody
Rep. Tom Gann
Rep. Scott McEachin3

*Reference to an op-ed written by Dr. Tom Coburn in The Oklahoman titled “In Oklahoma, treat the cause of the problem.”

No waste left? Agencies spend on Facebook 'likes', social media ads

One idea discussed often by conservative Oklahoma legislators and groups this past year was putting the brakes on non-essential promotional spending ("swag") by state agencies. Measures carried by State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee) and State Sen. Rob Standridge (R-Norman) stalled in their respective chambers during the regular and special sessions, but Governor Mary Fallin unexpectedly issued an executive order along the same lines earlier today.

OCPA estimated "swag" spending at $39M, Rep. Faught and Sen. Standridge both estimated it at about $30M, while Fallin's favorite bureaucrat (Preston Doerflinger) said there is no "swag" spending at all... but the Governor's estimate in her executive order is "up to $58 million a year."

One common refrain by those who have advocated for raising taxes rather than cutting waste from state government has been that agencies are "cut to the bone", and that "there is no fat left to trim". That's simply not the case, as evidenced by the fact that the Governor believes "up to $58 million a year" can be saved by eliminating non-essential promotional spending.

Back in June, I saw the below advertisement on Facebook from the Oklahoma State Department of Education:

After continuing to periodically see ads from the State Department of Education, I reached out last week to the top-10 appropriated state agencies, asking for information about their social media spending levels during the last fiscal year (FY17) and the current fiscal year (FY18). Some responded, others did not.

These agencies reported spending nothing in FY17 or FY18 on social media advertising:

• Department of Corrections
• Office of Juvenile Affairs
• State Regents for Higher Education

These agencies reported social media advertising spending (FY17 and FY18-to-date):

• State Department of Education: FY17 - $4,794.65, FY18 - $1,129.32 (Facebook)
• Department of Human Services:  FY17 - $1834, FY18 - $6285 (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for recruitment of Child Welfare Specialists)
• Oklahoma Health Care Authority: FY17 - $299.58, FY18 - $259.94 (Facebook; mostly through federally funded grants)
• Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: no state funds, but do periodically have federally-funded grants that include some social media spending

Is running Facebook ads an appropriate use of limited state funds, especially given the repeated claims of lack of funding by state agencies? I think not.

'Isn't this a minuscule amount, given the size of these agencies budgets?' you might ask. Yes, $14,600 is a drop in the bucket compared to the ~$7B in state appropriations or the ~$18B in total state spending. However, the fact that this type of spending has not already been eliminated bears witness to the fact that there remains spending that can be cut from state agencies.

Eliminating waste requires common sense and the will to actually do what needs to be done. Agencies need to take responsibility and eliminate what is not absolutely, fundamentally necessary to their function, and the Executive and Legislative branches need to exercise effective oversight of the state bureaucracy to ensure that that happens. 

In the meantime, perhaps average citizens and state workers can help expose waste and unnecessary spending in state government. If you have a tip or want to blow a whistle over wasteful spending that you are aware of, feel free to contact me.

Faught: The truth about the current budget crisis

The truth about the current budget crisis

by State Rep. George Faught 

There are differing viewpoints on the answer to fixing our state budget woes, but the issue at hand is protecting and funding our core services. While I take my role as State Representative very seriously, I understand that I will never make everybody happy. I tell my constituents what my beliefs and core principles are when I am asking for their vote. Integrity demands that I am true to my word and every decision made as a legislator means that both the benefits and consequences of each measure presented must be weighed before making a decision. Believe me, there are no easy answers!

It is important to note that even if HB1054 had passed with the required 76 votes, the monies generated would not have been appropriated until March 1st, 2018. The immediate crisis facing DHS (specifically the Advantage Waver program) would not have been averted by passage of this bill. The good news is that in addition to available Rainy Day funds and recent revenue upturns, there is more than enough in numerous state revolving accounts that can be tapped to appropriate the necessary dollars to keep the core services provided to our citizens.

This Special Session should have dealt solely with the current deficit created when the State Supreme Court overturned the Cigarette “fee”, ruling it unconstitutional. Digging the financial hole twice as deep and compounding the problem with added spending in a time when sufficient funds are not there and when our state is slowly but surely emerging from a deep national recession is reckless and irresponsible. Raising taxes at this time actually threatens to stall or possibly even reverse the fragile economic recovery we have started to see. In a two- income family, if one wage earner loses their job, the family doesn’t decide to buy a new car and go further in debt – state government shouldn’t increase spending until we regain a sure financial footing. Recovery is occurring and we are seeing some very encouraging numbers as our revenues are gradually increasing, but unfortunately, it doesn’t happen overnight. Raising taxes should always be a last resort.

Oklahomans solidly rejected a tax increase 12 months ago when they voted down the Education Penny Sales Tax at the polls. They had the opportunity, but rejected a one cent permanent increase in sales tax even though it was targeted to Education. This wasn’t because they were not in support of our teachers, but because they felt they were taxed enough already. Had HB1054 passed, it would have been the largest tax increase in Oklahoma history.

Over the last few weeks, it has come to light that several state agencies have been lying to legislature and the people of Oklahoma about the monies they have been allocated. Millions of taxpayer dollars which come from hard-working Oklahoma families and small businesses have been squandered and misused. This is totally unacceptable. We should demand audits and oversight on agencies before they misspend another dime of taxpayer money. Continuing to appropriate funds to these agencies without accountability is a dereliction of our duty.

The House already has passed funding to get DHS and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services through this current crisis. The Department of Health shortfall will be covered as well. Contrary to what people are hearing from the news, there IS money to address the issue at hand. We can “plug the hole” WITHOUT raising taxes. Agency heads are publicly threatening to make the most dramatic and harmful cuts to create a bigger crisis rather than doing what is necessary to avoid them. Fanning the flames of fear on our most vulnerable citizens in unconscionable and simply “government bullying.” An acceptable measure has been passed by the House which fills the budget hole. The Senate and Governor should stop grandstanding and address the issue at hand. Additional spending can be brought up at the appropriate time – during the next regular session.

In order to provide long-awaited pay raises for teachers and state employees, we need to have the funds to sustain those increases year after year. However, missing monies, illegal payments and irregularities in accounting must be addressed before simply passing a higher tax burden on to our citizens. As a side note, these pay raises would not have gone into effect until August of 2018 – another reason to address this issue in the next legislative session.

Rep. George Faught represents Oklahoma House District 14 covering Cherokee and Muskogee Counties. He can be reached at (405) 557-7310 or george.faught@okhouse.gov

Clean Pro celebrates 30 years this week, ribbon-cutting Thursday

Clean Pro and owners George and Becky Faught are celebrating 30 years in the carpet cleaning and disaster restoration industry this week. Come join the Clean Pro team on Thursday morning from 11am to noon for a celebratory ribbon-cutting at the greenspace across from the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy cookies and lemonade, and receive a 10% off coupon for your next carpet or tile cleaning.

For more information, call 918-686-0222 or visit facebook.com/CleanProMuskogee.

Rep. Faught: "Role reversal at the State Capitol"

From State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee) on Facebook:

This session, we have seen a role reversal here at the State Capitol. Republicans from the Governor on down have proposed new and higher taxes, ultimately passed on to the citizens of this State, while the Democrats are opposing these increased taxes merely for political posturing. There are some of us who have been against these new revenue measures from the beginning of session. We have not been obstructionists, but delivered our fiscal policies to our leadership to avoid these new taxes. We have won some battles by keeping even worse ideas from coming forward, and we have lost other battles. The goal is to continue to grow those who are committed to sound policies that we as Republicans should adhere and to remain an effective voice. I am reminded of what the late Labor Commissioner Mark Costello always reminded me: "A fee is nothing more than a tax by another name".

Today is the next-to-last day of this year's legislative session. This week, I've been wearing a red tie to symbolize my continued opposition to raising taxes on Oklahoma workers and businesses, my objection to unconstitutionally raising taxes in the final week of session, my intent to uphold the wishes of Oklahoma voters, who just six months ago overwhelmingly rejected higher taxes, and to express my support of the Republican platform principles of limited government and lower taxes.

We can and must do better.

SoonerPolitics.org reports that, like Rep. Faught, some of the other conservative members of the legislature have been wearing red ties to demonstrate their solidarity with Republican platform principles. David Van Risseghem, editor of SoonerPolitics, called it the 'Red Tie Brigade of Conservatism'.

House Committee rejects bill to cut spending on non-essential trinkets and swag

Late last night, the House Joint Committee on Appropriations & Budget (JCAB) rejected a measure designed to cut non-essential agency spending on promotional items and other trinkets (the "anti-swag" bill).

Presented by Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee), the bill could have saved as much as $30M, which could have avoided additional cuts or paid for half of a $1000 teacher pay raise. Instead, JCAB members shot down the measure, specifically objecting to cutting items such as FFA trophies (which could be paid for by private funds) and stress balls for veterans.

The final vote was 5-21.

These members felt that nonessential promotional spending should be cut, and should be commended:

• Jon Echols (R)
• John Paul Jordan (R)
• Jason Murphey (R)
• Terry O'Donnell (R)
• Todd Russ (R)

These members felt that nonessential promotional spending is just too important, and shouldn't be cut:

• Scott Biggs (R)
• Chad Caldwell (R)
• Dennis Casey (R)
• Josh Cockroft (R)
• Jason Dunnington (D)
• Katie Henke (R)
• Scott Inman (D)
• Steve Kouplen (D)
• Ben Loring (D)
• Scott Martin (R)
• Charles Ortega (R)
• Leslie Osborn (R)
• Pat Ownbey (R)
• John Pfeiffer (R)
• Eric Proctor (D)
• Dustin Roberts (R)
• Mike Sanders (R)
• Earl Sears (R)
• Shane Stone (D)
• Emily Virgin (D)
• Kevin Wallace (R)

It's a shame that so many so-called Republicans are rejecting efforts to make the easy cuts (nonessential spending) and instead push for tax hikes.

Lawmakers Announce Republican Platform Caucus

Lawmakers Announce Republican Platform Caucus

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Reps. Sean Roberts and Chuck Strohm, along with other lawmakers today announced the formation of a new caucus whose core principles are focused on upholding the values outlined in the Oklahoma Republican Party (OKGOP) Platform.

“Every election day, people cast their vote for someone because they believe the person campaigning stands for a set of values consistent with their beliefs, and they expect that person to keep their campaign promises once elected” said Strohm, R-Jenks.

“The thing voters across our state and nation struggle with is simply: why does a person campaign on one set of ideals yet when they vote, their votes reflect a separate set of ideals,” said state Rep. John Bennett, R-Sallisaw.

To address this concern raised by so many voters, this caucus was formed with the following objectives:

1. Honor God as we serve the people of Oklahoma;
2. Represent the principles we were elected on, the Republican Platform;
3. Educate members about how a bill relates to the platform;
4. Provide a UNIFIED Republican voice;
5. Hold each other accountable to the values supported by the majority of Oklahomans;
6. Support policies reflected in the Republican Platform and oppose policies that are contrary to the platform.

“Some say the platform is too long, but really its’ depth is a reflection of decades of hard work by those at the grassroots level,” said Rep. Roberts, R-Hominy. “Truly, the values and policies in our platform represent what it means to be a Republican. Our goal is to represent the values on which we were elected.”

“When members discuss how policy or budgetary decisions relate to the platform, new members will have the opportunity to learn from more seasoned legislators,” said state Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee. “It also helps us hold each other accountable, making us better representatives of the people we serve.”

“As someone who has tremendous respect for the U.S. Constitution, it is an honor to serve with others who hold our founding documents in such high regard,” said state Rep. Jeff Coody R-Grandfield.

“We will continue meeting from now until the end of session to address policy and budgetary issues that arise.”

Fallin vetoes regulatory reform measure, Faught responds

I've been swamped with work (both figuratively and literally), so blogging has taken a back burner for a few days. Here's one news item that came in the other day after Gov. Fallin issued her first veto of the year:

Faught Disappointed in Governor’s Veto

OKLAHOMA CITY – [April 26th], in a blow to public accountability, Gov. Mary Fallin vetoed government transparency and accountability legislation.

House Bill 1552, by Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee), is one of several bills that would institute much needed reforms to the state regulatory process. The House and Senate overwhelmingly approved both of Rep. Faught's administrative rules reform bills. HB1552 would be one step toward restoring an effective and proven administrative rules process, reclaiming legislative control over the process, and strengthening transparency and accountability.

“I am disappointed that Governor Fallin is hindering this effort.” said Faught, R-Muskogee. “Maintaining the broken status-quo continues to fail Oklahomans by allowing unelected bureaucrats to usher through significant regulation without adequate legislative input. The people of Oklahoma deserve to have their elected representatives exercise oversight of the regulatory process. By vetoing HB1552, the Governor is effectively silencing the legislature.”

Over the last few years, the administrative rules have been operating under a “default system,” whereby all agency rules can be automatically approved by the Governor without the input or review of the legislature.

Under the current system, when an agency raises fees or changes scope of practice through the administrative rules process, it effectively bypasses the legislature and the people’s elected representatives. Over the last 34 years, no resolution disapproving rules has been successfully enacted. Since his re-election in 2014, Faught has been advocating for restoring an effective and proven administrative rules process.

This measure would restore some of the oversight and protect Oklahomans. HB1552 passed the House 71-23 and passed the Senate 43-0.

Oklahoma House pays tribute to Rep. Brumbaugh

This morning, the Oklahoma House of Representatives paid tribute to State Rep. David Brumbaugh, who unexpectedly passed away Saturday evening. Session began with a moment of silence, State Reps. George Faught and Mike Ritze spoke about Brumbaugh's impact and legacy, and members closed with the singing of Amazing Grace.



Brumbaugh's body will lie in repose at the State Capitol on Thursday, from 10am to 2pm. Visitation with the family will be from 6pm to 8pm at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow. The funeral is set for 1pm Saturday at Tulsa Bible Church in Tulsa, with a graveside service to follow.

Brumbaugh was the Majority Caucus Chairman, and represented House District 76. Sometime in the next 30 days, Governor Fallin will announce the scheduling of a special election to elect a replacement to fill the remainder of his legislative term.

Oklahoma House votes to ban genetic-defect based abortion

Oklahoma House Votes to Protect Life

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that seeks to ban abortions in instances of certain birth defects passed out of the House this afternoon with a vote of 67 to 16.

The Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act of 2017, House Bill 1549, seeks to prohibit abortion solely because the unborn child has been diagnosed with either Down syndrome or a genetic abnormality or has the potential for a genetic abnormality. The bill would also hold physicians who violate this measure liable.

“Life is a gift from God,” said Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee. “Today, I am thankful that the members of the House of Representatives chose to protect that gift.”

HB1549 will now be sent to the Oklahoma Senate.

Yazel, Faught endorse Tressa Nunley in HD75 special election

Tressa Nunley, Republican candidate in the HD75 special election to replace Dan Kirby, has received endorsements from Tulsa County Assessor Ken Yazel and State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee).

Yazel was first elected Tulsa County Assessor in 2002, winning reelection in 2006, 2010, and 2014.

Rep. Faught said, "Congratulations to our friend Tressa Nunley for following the call to run for office. She would make an excellent Representative for House District 75 - she is a strong Conservative with a compassionate heart!"

The primary will be held on May 9th. View a map of HD75 here.

Rep. Faught: Tax hike is not the answer

Tax hike is not the answer

by State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee)

It seems like everywhere I go someone is talking about taxes. It’s impossible to watch TV without seeing a commercial about filing your personal income taxes. When I drive around town there are an abundance of yard signs advertising tax preparation services. Some signs actually list how much money you should get back on an “earned income credit” per child, even if you do not have any earned income.

The vast majority of state funding comes from taxes in one form or another. Income tax, sales tax, licensure fees, ad valorem, property, gross production... the list of the different taxes payed by our citizens or businesses in Oklahoma seems endless.

In her State of the State address earlier this month, Governor Fallin presented a plan that would add sales tax to 164 different categories of services provided by Oklahoma small businesses and entrepreneurs. By the Governor’s own estimate, this would result in a tax hike of over $1.7 Billion. That comes to approximately $433 per year for every man, woman and child in Oklahoma. Can you afford that?

Consider this: new taxes will be levied on haircuts, cable TV, dental cleaning and visits to the doctor, lawn mowing, oil changes, internet, manicures, real estate transactions, house remodeling, plumbing and electrical repairs, utility services (water, gas, electric), trash pick-up, pet grooming, daycare, funeral services… and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

A new tax on services will impact everyone, and it will cause significant damage to the small businesses across Oklahoma that form the backbone of our economy.

I’ve owned a carpet cleaning and restoration company for almost 30 years. Like many service businesses, our work is performed on location at customers’ homes or businesses, rather than out of a storefront. My company has current customers in at least 71 different sales tax jurisdictions.

If the Governor’s plan were to be enacted, our technicians would need to determine precisely which tax rate to apply on each job, depending on whether the customer was located inside or outside the city limits and on which county they were in. To complicate matters, the technician would also need to know if the individual or organization is tax-exempt.

Then comes the reporting period where each community and county tax must be calculated and submitted, in addition to the state’s share. The sheer volume of paperwork, logistics and headaches this would add to small businesses would be a tremendous burden, and would cause them to not expand, not hire additional employees, or possibly even close their doors, resulting in a loss of jobs in every community.

This new tax may solve one temporary problem, but it creates a bigger, permanent issue in the process. Rather than helping Oklahoma’s economy, this proposal adds to the workload, costs consumers more, and creates more roadblocks to success. Revenue sources must be found in order to meet our state budget commitments, but this can be done by targeting the burgeoning list of corporate tax credits and subsidies, by addressing excessive salaries of government administrators, and identifying waste and duplication in our agencies. Tough times call for tough measures, but a historic tax hike during an economic recovery is not the right move.

MuskogeePolitico series: Read more stories about Fallin's tax hike proposal

Opposition to Fallin’s Tax Hike Grows in Legislature

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. George Faught
Office: (405) 557-7310

Opposition to Fallin’s Tax Hike Grows in Legislature

OKLAHOMA CITY- Opposition continues to grow in the State Capitol over Gov. Mary Fallin's proposed $1.7 billion sales tax expansion, with 13 legislators adding their names in opposition. 27 legislators are now publicly on the record against the Fallin sales tax hike.

In her State of the State address, Governor Fallin presented a plan that would tax 164 different categories of services provided by Oklahoma small businesses and entrepreneurs. By the governor's own estimate, this would result in a tax hike of more than $1.7 Billion.

"We have been elected to represent our constituents and make the hard choices necessary to run state government. Their voice is loud and clear: no new taxes," said State Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee. "I'm proud to stand with my fellow legislators in the fight to protect Oklahomans from higher taxes."

"This would be the largest tax increase in Oklahoma since at least 1985," said State Rep. Dustin Roberts, R-Durant. "Expanding or raising the sales tax is absolutely the wrong idea."

"Oklahoma families and small businesses are taxed enough already,” said State Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville. "I am completely against this tax increase."

"Oklahoma voters have already said that they don't want more sales taxes," said State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair. "We have to acknowledge their wishes and look elsewhere for the solution, even if it is a tough choice."

"This massive tax increase would have a terrible impact on Oklahoma families, especially considering the weakness of our current economy," said State Rep. Jeff Coody, R-Grandfield. "Let's not punish consumers and small businesses by burdening them with more taxes."

Citing their fundamental disagreements with Gov. Fallin's proposed tax hike, the following conservative legislators pledged to do what they can to stop this tax increase from becoming law:

State Rep. John Bennett (R-Sallisaw)
State Rep. David Brumbaugh (R-Broken Arrow)
State Rep. Kevin Calvey (R-Oklahoma City)
State Rep. Bobby Cleveland (R-Slaughterville)
State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee)
State Rep. Kevin McDugle (R-Broken Arrow)
State Rep. Lewis Moore (R-Edmond)
State Rep. Mike Ritze (R-Broken Arrow)
State Rep. Chuck Strohm (R-Jenks)
NEW: State Rep. Rande Worthen (R-Lawton)
NEW: State Rep. Dustin Roberts (R-Durant)
NEW: State Rep. Scott McEachin (R-Tulsa)
NEW: State Rep. John Enns (R-Enid)
NEW: State Rep. Dale Derby (R- Owasso)
NEW: State Rep. Casey Murdock (R-Felt)
NEW: State Rep. Scooter Park (R-Devol)
NEW: State Rep. Jeff Coody (R-Grandfield)
State Sen. Mark Allen (R-Spiro)
State Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow)
State Sen. James Leewright (R-Bristow)
State Sen. Marty Quinn (R-Claremore)
State Sen. Anthony Sykes (R-Moore)
NEW: State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom (R-Adair)
NEW: State Sen. Julie Daniels (R-Bartlesville)
NEW: State Sen. Bill Brown (R-Broken Arrow)
NEW: State Sen. Ralph Shortey (R-Oklahoma City)
NEW: State Sen. Joseph Silk (R-Broken Bow)

MuskogeePolitico series: Read more stories about Fallin's tax hike

Conservative Legislators Applaud Lamb's Opposition to Sales Tax Hike

Here's a news release from the office of State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee):

Conservative Legislators Applaud Lamb's Opposition to Sales Tax Hike

Oklahoma City – A group of conservative Oklahoma legislators today expressed support for Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb's decision to resign from Governor Fallin's cabinet over her plan to dramatically increase Oklahomans' sales tax burden.

Lamb stepped down from his cabinet position as Small Business Advocate, saying, "While I respect the determination with which Governor Fallin met her obligation to present a balanced budget to the legislature, I cannot support her proposed tax increases.  This proposal will adversely harm Oklahoma’s small businesses and families, especially those in our service industry."

In her State of the State address, Governor Fallin presented a plan that would tax 164 different categories of services provided by Oklahoma small businesses and entrepreneurs. By the governor's own estimate, this would result in a tax hike of over $1,700,000,000.00.

"Those of us in the legislature who are small business owners understand the devastating impact this would have on small businesses, the backbone of the Oklahoma economy, and on consumers," said State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee). "We need to fight for those we represent and stop this tax increase dead in its tracks."

"Putting a massive, 1.7 billion dollar tax increase on Oklahomans will serve to hurt our economy just as it is beginning to recover, " said State Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow). "This approach is fundamentally flawed."

"Tax increases kill jobs. Just as families must trim their budgets when their income goes down, government should trim spending when revenue dips, instead of raising taxes. Too many politicians lack the courage to say NO to big-spending government bureaucrats," said Rep. Kevin Calvey (R-Oklahoma City).

"Just three months ago, Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly voted down a $615,000,000 sales tax increase," said State Rep. John Bennett (R-Sallisaw). "That message should be heard loud and clear by the Governor and by legislative leadership: Oklahomans don't want more taxes."

"I am excited to see our conservatives being willing to make the tough decisions instead of taking the easy way out in taxes. We have got to deal with the tax credits and the spending for unnecessary functions of our Government. I fully support Todd Lamb and appreciate his bold stand," said State Rep. Kevin McDugle (R-Broken Arrow).

"Last session, I vehemently fought against a service tax because it will add an incredible burden on our service industry. The Governor's proposal is asking our small business owners to work all day and then come home and spend another hour or two on unnecessary paperwork rather than spending time with their families. I applaud Lamb's decision." says Rep. Chuck Strohm (R-Jenks).

"Republicans opposed a similar Democrat plan in 2003, saying 'This is a job-killing proposal that would damage the weak Oklahoma economy'", said State Sen. Marty Quinn (R-Claremore). "What was true back then is true now, and Republicans should oppose this plan as well."

Citing their fundamental disagreements with Gov. Fallin's proposed tax hike, the following conservative legislators pledged to do what they can to stop this tax increase from becoming law:

State Rep. John Bennett (R-Sallisaw)
State Rep. David Brumbaugh (R-Broken Arrow)
State Rep. Kevin Calvey (R-Oklahoma City)
State Rep. Bobby Cleveland (R-Slaughterville)
State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee)
State Rep. Kevin McDugle (R-Broken Arrow)
State Rep. Lewis Moore (R-Edmond)
State Rep. Mike Ritze (R-Broken Arrow)
State Rep. Chuck Strohm (R-Jenks)
State Sen. Mark Allen (R-Spiro)
State Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow)
State Sen. James Leewright (R-Bristow)
State Sen. Marty Quinn (R-Claremore)
State Sen. Anthony Sykes (R-Moore)

Update: read more stories about Fallin's tax hike